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Some movie theaters have heightened security, in the wake of this morning’s deadly massacre at a Colorado multiplex. The shooting, which took place during the premiere at “The Dark Knight Rises” at the Century 16 Movie Theater in Aurora, left at lest 12 people dead and 59 others injured. Young children, including one infant, and adults, were among the victims.

At Altman & Altman, LLP, our Boston injury lawyers are watching the aftermath of this tragic incident along with the rest of the nation. It is horrible for such a senseless event to mar what should have been a fun, memorable event for moviegoers.

The suspect, 24-year-old James E. Holmes, is accused of entering the theater through an emergency exit while brandishing multiple weapons. He fired on the unsuspecting audience shortly after the movie began. Holmes, who did not resist arrest afterwards, is said to have told police he was the Joker, the notorious villain from the last Batman movie.

As police try to determine what happened, speculation is inevitably turning toward whether or not the theater provided adequate security during a screening that was guaranteed to attract so many adults and children at midnight, which is the showing time that has become popular for premieres of highly anticipated films.

It wouldn’t be a big surprise if those that were injured, the family of the deceased, and/or the moviegoers that were there and likely sustained massive emotional trauma from having to witness and experience such a horrific event were to file personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.

Massachusetts Premises Liability
Property owners are responsible for making sure that their building/grounds are safe for anyone that resides, visits, or steps onto the premise for any reason. This includes removing or remedying any hazards and providing adequate security to decrease the chances of someone becoming the victim of a crime. Failure to fulfill this obligation can be grounds for a Boston personal injury or wrongful death case claiming premises liability and negligence.

In the wake of today’s shooting, some theaters will have more police on the premises. Nationwide, AMC Theaters is no longer letting patrons come to the movies in costume and masks.